If you need to understand the depths of the wilds, there’s nobody better to turn to than someone that lives and breathes the environment. This beautiful video tells the story of an African hunter who decided to stop killing animals — and help scientists find them instead.

It tells the story of Ruben, describing his old life and explaining how he’s more recently become an assistant field researcher in the Udzungwa National Park in Tanzania. At time moody and atmospheric, at others providing expansive views of the lush Tanzanian landscapes, the video is a compelling glimpse into the way traditional African culture can meet — and exist happily — with western practices. At least some of the time.